"Everyone's just so happy": An evening to remember in Greater Manchester's 'New Berlin' - for a team AND a town on the up

'You really get the feeling that not just the club, but the whole town is on the up" said lifelong Stockport County fan David Warringdon, who encapsulated the feeling of so many of the club's joyous supporters as they revelled in their second promotion in three seasons.

David, 65, was one of the over 10,000 packed into Edgeley Park to see The Hatters beat Morecambe 2-0 to secure a return to League 1 for the first time since 2010.

In the 14 years since they have seen three relegations, numerous managers, regional football in the sixth tier, humiliating defeats, and two promotions, Well, make that three.

READ MORE: Stockport County promoted to League One after win over Morecambe

As soon as the final whistle sounded, despite pleas beforehand for them to remain in the stands, there was an understandable outpouring of jubilation with fans pouring onto the Edgeley Park turf.

The players that didn't make it down the tunnel were mobbed as choruses of 'County's going up' and 'EIEIEIO, Up the football league we go' rang around the famous old ground. There were tears of joy as family members and mates hugged and took selfies.

Stewards eventually managed to clear the playing surface to the players could come back out for a lap honour. They sprayed champagne behind hoardings that read 'Promoted 2024' before walking around the ground saluting the fans.

But by that point, many had already danced their out of the exits and through the terraced streets of Edgeley. On Castle Street, the area's high street, the pubs were thronged whilst dozens more raided the Co-op and nearby off-licences and stood drinking, singing, and dancing in the street.

Then the heavens opened, but it didn't dampen the party one jot. Fans sprayed beer in the